Accelerated aging behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics via advanced oxidation and their adsorption characteristics towards tetracycline

Xinfeng Cheng; Shihao Wang; Xin Zhang; Muhammad Shahid Iqbal; Zhifu Yang; Yilong Xi; XianLing Xiang

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Oct 2024)

Accelerated aging behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics via advanced oxidation and their adsorption characteristics towards tetracycline

Xinfeng Cheng,
Shihao Wang,
Xin Zhang,
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal,
Zhifu Yang,
Yilong Xi,
XianLing Xiang

Affiliations

Xinfeng Cheng: Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241002, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China; Correspondence to: School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China.
Shihao Wang: School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
Xin Zhang: School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal: School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
Zhifu Yang: School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
Yilong Xi: Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241002, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
XianLing Xiang: Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241002, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China; Correspondence to: School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 284
p. 116864

Abstract

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The increasing global utilization of biodegradable plastics due to stringent regulations on traditional plastics has caused a significant rise in microplastic (MPs) pollution in aquatic ecosystems from biodegradable products. However, the environmental behavior of biodegradable MPs remains inadequately elucidated. This study explored the aging processes of polylactic acid (PLA) and polystyrene (PS) under a heat-activated potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) system, as well as their adsorption characteristics towards tetracycline (TCs). In comparison to PS, the surface structure of PLA experienced more pronounced changes over aging, exhibiting evident pits, cracks, and fragmentation. The carbonyl index (CI) and oxygen/carbon ratio (O/C) of PS displayed exponential growth over time, whereas the values for PLA showed linear and exponential increases, respectively. The adsorption capacity of TCs by PS and PLA aged for 6 days increased from 0.312 mg‧g−1 and 0.457 mg‧g−1for original PS and PLA, respectively, to 0.372 mg‧g−1 and 0.649 mg‧g−1. Meanwhile, the adsorption rate (k2 values) for TCs decreased by 42.03 % for PS and 79.64 % for PLA compared to their initial values. The findings indicated that biodegradable PLA-MPs may exhibit higher tetracycline carrying capacities than PS, potentially increasing environmental and organismal risks, particularly in view of aging effects.

Published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

ISSN: 0147-6513 (Print); 1090-2414 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Technology: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering: Environmental pollution; Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Environmental sciences
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/ecotoxicology-and-environmental-safety

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